May 18, LNW (Colombo): A suspect linked to an illicit liquor racket was injured in a shooting incident during a police operation in the Ampara Police Division last night (17), police said.
The incident occurred when officers of the Police Special Task Force (STF) carried out a raid to arrest the suspect. During the operation, the suspect had allegedly obstructed officers from performing their duties and attempted to assault them.
Police said the suspect was subsequently arrested and admitted to hospital. However, he had later escaped from the medical facility.
According to police, an officer attached to a mobile patrol unit later attempted to re-arrest the suspect. During the confrontation, the suspect had allegedly tried to snatch the officer’s firearm.
The suspect sustained gunshot injuries during the ensuing scuffle and was admitted to hospital for treatment.
A police officer who was injured during the incident is also receiving treatment at hospital, police added.